Willie Lyles, who operates a Houston-based college football scouting service that has come under NCAA scrutiny, denied allegations of unethical behavior in an interview with FoxSports.com columnist Jason Whitlock.

The NCAA has begun a preliminary investigation about Lyles' relationship with Oregon.

Former Texas A&M assistant coach Van Malone recently told ESPN.com that Lyles told him in 2007 that the Aggies would have to beat an $80,000 offer if they expected star recruit Patrick Peterson to sign with them.

Peterson has denied the allegation.

In the interview with Whitlock, Lyles denied that he "steered" Seastrunk to Oregon.

Lyles told Whitlock that Seastrunk "chose Oregon because he felt Oregon was the best fit for him. He liked the running backs coach, Gary Campbell, and he felt it was a good system and a good fit for him."

Lyles told Whitlock that Seatrunk "enjoyed the campus when he went on his visit and he enjoyed the people. He made the decision that was best for him."

Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens has denied any unethical behavior, and said he is confident the Ducks have followed NCAA rules. When asked, UO coach Chip Kelly has referred to Mullens' statement.

Speaking to the accusation that he solicited money for Peterson, Lyles said it was "unequivocally false."

Lyles has not returned repeated calls for comment from The Oregonian.

Lyles said he believes he has come under scrutiny because the University of Texas coaches and fans are not happy to see high-profile recruits such as Seastrunk and UO running back LaMichael James, a finalist for the Heisman Trophy last year, leaving the state.

"There is a particular entity out there that would like to see the movement of players from the state of Texas to schools outside the state stopped," he said. "It's been well-documented on the blogosphere, stating those objections and stating those issues with kids leaving the state of Texas.

"That would be the University of Texas, and they do have a problem with people leaving the state of Texas."